Jai Opetaia Defends Ring, IBF Cruiserweight Titles vs. Huseyin Cinkara On Dec. 6
It was announced today that Ring and IBF world champion Jai Opetaia will defend his belts against mandatory challenger Huseyin Cinkara at Gold Coast Convention & Exhibition Centre, Broadbeach, Queensland, on December 6.
The two had been tabbed to face each other in January before Cinkara injured his ankle in training, forcing him out of the title fight. 2020 Olympic bronze medallist David Nyika accepted a short-notice call but suffered a vicious fourth-round knockout defeat and has since returned.
Now it's come back around and Opetaia (28-0, 22 KOs) is looking forward to facing Cinkara (23-0, 19 KOs) at his home away from home in an event dubbed "Ring of Fire".
"The Gold Coast Convention Centre is home turf and I won't be losing in front of my fans," Opetaia said in a statement announcing the fight. "The atmosphere is always electric on fight night and this event will be no different."
Opetaia represented his country at the 2012 Olympics and 2014 Commonwealth Games before turning pro the following year.
The 30-year-old southpaw claimed the national and OPBF cruiserweight titles and after a lengthy wait, earned his big break when his team were able to bring Ring and IBF beltholder Mairis Briedis to Australia in July 2022. He boxed very well early and held off the Latvian's late surge to claim a hard-fought 12-round unanimous decision in July 2022.
However, a badly broken jaw meant he took 14 months to recover and when returning, made easy work of British fringe contenders Jordan Thompson (TKO4) and Ellis Zorro (KO1) in September and December 2023.
The IBF stripped him for taking the latter option, rather than face a top-10 ranked contender, though he regained his old belt when again besting Briedis in the Saudi capital of Riyadh last May. A sixth-round stoppage of Jack Massey precluded his Nyika knockout, before a destructive display against Italy's then-unbeaten challenger Claudio Squeo on June 8.
Cinkara meanwhile, turned professional in 2016. The German-born fighter of Turkish extraction worked his way up on the local scene in Germany with some fights in Turkey.
His best wins have come against veterans Gusmyr Perdomo (TKO 2), Al Sands (TKO 3) and Armend Xhoxhaj (TKO 2). After recovering from his ankle injury, his career resumed with an easy first-round stoppage over Juan Diaz on April 26.
The undercard will feature the return of heavyweight contender Justis Huni after a dramatic come-from-behind win at his expense by Fabio Wardley in Ipswich on June 7.
Elsewhere, super middleweight talent Max McIntyre (8-0, 7 KOs), experienced junior middleweight contender Ben Mahoney (15-0-1, 8 KOs) and light heavyweight Jack Gregory (7-1, 4 KOs) are all slated to feature on the card against yet to be determined opponents.
Jai Opetaia vs. Huseyin Cinkara | Stan - December 6, 2025
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Re: Jai Opetaia vs. Huseyin Cinkara - December 6, 2025
Jai Opetaia makes plans clear: Undisputed at cruiserweight, David Benavidez, heavyweight
Ring and IBF cruiserweight champion Jai Opetaia is stuck taking middling matchups as the rest of the division crown holders figure themselves out.
Opetaia (28-0, 22 KOs) is set for another mandatory title defense against Huseyin Cinkara (23-0, 19 KOs) on December 6 in Queensland, Australia.
In 2026, however, Opetaia wants to ensure more meaningful slugfests are in store against WBA and WBO champion Gilberto Ramirez and WBC belt holder Badou Jack.
“It feels good to be back in the ring,” Opetaia told reporters Thursday after announcing his fight. “Obviously, we want the unification fights, but once again we've been derailed. But we have a job to do. We're still on the mission to become undisputed. So we need to take care of business on December 6.
“Every single fight and step in the ring is a statement for me. It's war. I prepare for everything they bring, and this is no different. I belong there and deserve these unification fights.”
“Zurdo” Ramirez has been sidelined after undergoing shoulder surgery this summer, while Jack has still has to face Noel Mikaelian in a rematch following their majority draw in May.
Opetaia aims to take on the champions next year to set up a highly desirable fight against David Benavidez, who’s currently campaigning as the WBC light heavyweight champion, but has plans to move up for the right fight.
“We want to fight Benavidez – let's do it,” said Opetaia. “I'm pumped for that. I would love to fight Benavidez. He's a great fighter with a great following who's been in the ring with some great fighters. Once we tick that box, who knows? Maybe the heavyweight chapter starts then. Heavyweight will happen when I say it's ready, not when people want to throw it in my face. I'm not chasing the money. I'm chasing the dream. But I'm not rushing my journey for anyone else. I've had a dream to become undisputed my whole life, and that's what I am going to become.”
In the meantime, Opetaia has been left grasping for straws against second-rate opposition. His resume is missing star appeal, outside of his pair of hotly contested decision wins against Mairis Briedis in 2022 and 2024.
Sandwiched in between have been comfortable stoppages against a group that features Jordan Thompson, Ellis Zorro, Jack Massey, David Nyika, and Claudio Squeo.
Although undefeated, the little-known 40-year-old Cinkara figures to be another no-hoper come December.
Ring and IBF cruiserweight champion Jai Opetaia is stuck taking middling matchups as the rest of the division crown holders figure themselves out.
Opetaia (28-0, 22 KOs) is set for another mandatory title defense against Huseyin Cinkara (23-0, 19 KOs) on December 6 in Queensland, Australia.
In 2026, however, Opetaia wants to ensure more meaningful slugfests are in store against WBA and WBO champion Gilberto Ramirez and WBC belt holder Badou Jack.
“It feels good to be back in the ring,” Opetaia told reporters Thursday after announcing his fight. “Obviously, we want the unification fights, but once again we've been derailed. But we have a job to do. We're still on the mission to become undisputed. So we need to take care of business on December 6.
“Every single fight and step in the ring is a statement for me. It's war. I prepare for everything they bring, and this is no different. I belong there and deserve these unification fights.”
“Zurdo” Ramirez has been sidelined after undergoing shoulder surgery this summer, while Jack has still has to face Noel Mikaelian in a rematch following their majority draw in May.
Opetaia aims to take on the champions next year to set up a highly desirable fight against David Benavidez, who’s currently campaigning as the WBC light heavyweight champion, but has plans to move up for the right fight.
“We want to fight Benavidez – let's do it,” said Opetaia. “I'm pumped for that. I would love to fight Benavidez. He's a great fighter with a great following who's been in the ring with some great fighters. Once we tick that box, who knows? Maybe the heavyweight chapter starts then. Heavyweight will happen when I say it's ready, not when people want to throw it in my face. I'm not chasing the money. I'm chasing the dream. But I'm not rushing my journey for anyone else. I've had a dream to become undisputed my whole life, and that's what I am going to become.”
In the meantime, Opetaia has been left grasping for straws against second-rate opposition. His resume is missing star appeal, outside of his pair of hotly contested decision wins against Mairis Briedis in 2022 and 2024.
Sandwiched in between have been comfortable stoppages against a group that features Jordan Thompson, Ellis Zorro, Jack Massey, David Nyika, and Claudio Squeo.
Although undefeated, the little-known 40-year-old Cinkara figures to be another no-hoper come December.
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Re: Jai Opetaia vs. Huseyin Cinkara - December 6, 2025
Opetaia-Cinkara: Jason Moloney Returns vs. Herlan Gomez On Dec. 6 Undercard
Former WBO bantamweight titlist Jason Moloney will make his return to action against Herlan Gomez on the Jai Opetaia-Huseyin Cinkara undercard come December 6.
It is the first step for Moloney as he bids to snap a two-fight losing streak, forfeiting his WBO bantamweight title to Yoshiki Takei last May and then a 10-round defeat by rising star Tenshin Nasukawa in February. Nasukawa (7-0, 2 KOs) will face Takuma Inoue for the vacant WBC title on November 24, two-and-a-half years after his professional debut.
"I'm really excited and truly grateful for this opportunity," Moloney (27-4, 19 KOs) told The Ring. "It's been a long and frustrating time away from the ring since February, but I've been working really hard to make sure this next chapter of my career is a successful one."
Moloney, The Ring's No. 9-rated bantamweight, comfortably climbed the rankings and stopped former titleholder Kohei Kono (TKO 6) in May 2018.
The 34-year-old then took part in the World Boxing Super Series (WBSS), and although losing against IBF titlist Emmanuel Rodriguez via 12-round split decision, the Australian boxer-puncher showed more than enough to suggest he belonged at world level.
After rebounding with four straight wins - all by knockout - he earned a shot at Ring and then-unified titleholder Naoya Inoue in October 2020 but was comfortably behind on the scorecards before suffering a devastating seventh-round stoppage loss.
Again, Moloney worked his way back up and beat Nawaphon Sor Rungvisai (UD 12) in a WBC title eliminator. When undisputed champion Inoue moved up in weight, the belts became vacant and Moloney bested Vincent Astrolabio (MD 12) to fill the WBO vacancy.
He defended his belt beating Saul Sanchez (MD 12) in an exciting fight, before losing it on points in Japan against Takei and was beaten by an even younger man in Nasukawa, 27.
Gomez (14-2, 10 KOs) has been a professional since 2019. The Filipino won his first five fights before losing in Thailand to future world title challenger Yuttapong Tondee (TKO 8).
The 26-year-old continued fighting in Thailand, stopping faded former world title challenger Komgrich Nantapech (KO 1) in September 2023. He enters this contest after a defeat too, having been outpointed in a 10-round bout with Kalolo Amiri in Tanzania on May 24.
Former WBO bantamweight titlist Jason Moloney will make his return to action against Herlan Gomez on the Jai Opetaia-Huseyin Cinkara undercard come December 6.
It is the first step for Moloney as he bids to snap a two-fight losing streak, forfeiting his WBO bantamweight title to Yoshiki Takei last May and then a 10-round defeat by rising star Tenshin Nasukawa in February. Nasukawa (7-0, 2 KOs) will face Takuma Inoue for the vacant WBC title on November 24, two-and-a-half years after his professional debut.
"I'm really excited and truly grateful for this opportunity," Moloney (27-4, 19 KOs) told The Ring. "It's been a long and frustrating time away from the ring since February, but I've been working really hard to make sure this next chapter of my career is a successful one."
Moloney, The Ring's No. 9-rated bantamweight, comfortably climbed the rankings and stopped former titleholder Kohei Kono (TKO 6) in May 2018.
The 34-year-old then took part in the World Boxing Super Series (WBSS), and although losing against IBF titlist Emmanuel Rodriguez via 12-round split decision, the Australian boxer-puncher showed more than enough to suggest he belonged at world level.
After rebounding with four straight wins - all by knockout - he earned a shot at Ring and then-unified titleholder Naoya Inoue in October 2020 but was comfortably behind on the scorecards before suffering a devastating seventh-round stoppage loss.
Again, Moloney worked his way back up and beat Nawaphon Sor Rungvisai (UD 12) in a WBC title eliminator. When undisputed champion Inoue moved up in weight, the belts became vacant and Moloney bested Vincent Astrolabio (MD 12) to fill the WBO vacancy.
He defended his belt beating Saul Sanchez (MD 12) in an exciting fight, before losing it on points in Japan against Takei and was beaten by an even younger man in Nasukawa, 27.
Gomez (14-2, 10 KOs) has been a professional since 2019. The Filipino won his first five fights before losing in Thailand to future world title challenger Yuttapong Tondee (TKO 8).
The 26-year-old continued fighting in Thailand, stopping faded former world title challenger Komgrich Nantapech (KO 1) in September 2023. He enters this contest after a defeat too, having been outpointed in a 10-round bout with Kalolo Amiri in Tanzania on May 24.
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Re: Jai Opetaia vs. Huseyin Cinkara - December 6, 2025
Jai Opetaia-Huseyin Cinkara broadcaster ‘to be announced soon’
Eddie Hearn expects Jai Opetaia-Huseyin Cinkara to be televised, despite the uncertainty that continues to surround the IBF cruiserweight title fight scheduled for December 6.
Matchroom have a promotional stake in the defending champion, but on the same date as his latest fight Hearn will be in Monte Carlo overseeing the European junior-featherweight title fight between Britons Peter McGrail and Shabaz Masoud.
As with Opetaia, Matchroom also co-promote his compatriots Justis Huni and Teremoana Teremoana, the heavyweights who respectively fight Kiki Toa Leutele and German Garcia Montes on the undercard of his title defence against Cinkara at the Gold Coast Convention Centre in Australia’s Gold Coast.
That a promotion also featuring the bantamweight Jason Moloney and the junior welterweight Jake Wyllie remains without a broadcaster on the same evening on which Masoud-McGrail will feature prominently on DAZN – where so many of Opetaia’s previous contests have been broadcast – means there exists a sense of uncertainty ahead of a fight it is widely hoped will propel the cruiserweight into a defining year in 2026. But Hearn said: “I think there’ll be an announcement on that soon.
“There’s a lot of boxing around that date. We’re in Monaco so I can’t be on the Gold Coast; we are co-promoting the show with Tasman Fighters, and Goldstar; we’re all partners on Jai. It’s doing really well, actually. Mick’s [Francis] really gone for it – I think Tasman do a great job on the ground – and we’re looking for a devastating performance from Jai, and then to move on.
“We don’t have the fight done, but we have had very deep conversations with Turki Alalshikh about Jai fighting Badou Jack if Gilberto Ramirez is not available. Badou Jack is now fighting in December against Norair Mikaeljan in a rematch, so that will work out quite well, and then, really, 2026 is about Jai unifying ASAP.
“Badou Jack and Gilberto Ramirez – he’s only two fights away from being undisputed [champion]. If he fights Badou Jack in February time – something like that – the winner and Ramirez have two belts. It’s an undisputed fight, and it’s one of the best in the division.”
The promoter was then asked if he therefore expected Opetaia-Cinkara to be on DAZN, and he responded: “Possibly. In Australia there’s not an exclusive deal with DAZN. Obviously DAZN have now acquired [television company] Foxtel, so there’s conversations there between Matchroom and Foxtel for 2026; there’s other broadcasters as well. We work closely with DAZN, but we’re not the lead promoter of that show.”
Matchroom’s Irish welterweight Paddy Donovan could yet, according to Hearn, fight his Australian rival Liam Paro in a final eliminator for Lewis Crocker’s IBF title the following week.
There also remains the possibility of the English middleweight Denzel Bentley fighting Venezuela’s Endra Saavedra in a WBO title eliminator on the same promotion. Australian promoters No Limit are on course to oversee both contests; the previously planned date of December 13 will be determined by the fitness of Nikita Tszyu, who was scheduled to fight his fellow Australia Michael Zerafa at a catchweight between junior middleweight and middleweight until injuring himself in a car crash.
Eddie Hearn expects Jai Opetaia-Huseyin Cinkara to be televised, despite the uncertainty that continues to surround the IBF cruiserweight title fight scheduled for December 6.
Matchroom have a promotional stake in the defending champion, but on the same date as his latest fight Hearn will be in Monte Carlo overseeing the European junior-featherweight title fight between Britons Peter McGrail and Shabaz Masoud.
As with Opetaia, Matchroom also co-promote his compatriots Justis Huni and Teremoana Teremoana, the heavyweights who respectively fight Kiki Toa Leutele and German Garcia Montes on the undercard of his title defence against Cinkara at the Gold Coast Convention Centre in Australia’s Gold Coast.
That a promotion also featuring the bantamweight Jason Moloney and the junior welterweight Jake Wyllie remains without a broadcaster on the same evening on which Masoud-McGrail will feature prominently on DAZN – where so many of Opetaia’s previous contests have been broadcast – means there exists a sense of uncertainty ahead of a fight it is widely hoped will propel the cruiserweight into a defining year in 2026. But Hearn said: “I think there’ll be an announcement on that soon.
“There’s a lot of boxing around that date. We’re in Monaco so I can’t be on the Gold Coast; we are co-promoting the show with Tasman Fighters, and Goldstar; we’re all partners on Jai. It’s doing really well, actually. Mick’s [Francis] really gone for it – I think Tasman do a great job on the ground – and we’re looking for a devastating performance from Jai, and then to move on.
“We don’t have the fight done, but we have had very deep conversations with Turki Alalshikh about Jai fighting Badou Jack if Gilberto Ramirez is not available. Badou Jack is now fighting in December against Norair Mikaeljan in a rematch, so that will work out quite well, and then, really, 2026 is about Jai unifying ASAP.
“Badou Jack and Gilberto Ramirez – he’s only two fights away from being undisputed [champion]. If he fights Badou Jack in February time – something like that – the winner and Ramirez have two belts. It’s an undisputed fight, and it’s one of the best in the division.”
The promoter was then asked if he therefore expected Opetaia-Cinkara to be on DAZN, and he responded: “Possibly. In Australia there’s not an exclusive deal with DAZN. Obviously DAZN have now acquired [television company] Foxtel, so there’s conversations there between Matchroom and Foxtel for 2026; there’s other broadcasters as well. We work closely with DAZN, but we’re not the lead promoter of that show.”
Matchroom’s Irish welterweight Paddy Donovan could yet, according to Hearn, fight his Australian rival Liam Paro in a final eliminator for Lewis Crocker’s IBF title the following week.
There also remains the possibility of the English middleweight Denzel Bentley fighting Venezuela’s Endra Saavedra in a WBO title eliminator on the same promotion. Australian promoters No Limit are on course to oversee both contests; the previously planned date of December 13 will be determined by the fitness of Nikita Tszyu, who was scheduled to fight his fellow Australia Michael Zerafa at a catchweight between junior middleweight and middleweight until injuring himself in a car crash.
Re: Jai Opetaia vs. Huseyin Cinkara - December 6, 2025
who's being managed worse...?
Kabayel
Opatei
Richard Torrez
Kabayel
Opatei
Richard Torrez
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Re: Jai Opetaia vs. Huseyin Cinkara - December 6, 2025
Are any of them badly managed?
Kabayal has somehow landed himself as a consensus top 3 even though he hasn’t beat a consensus top 15 (ok Zhang probably was but in his 40s and pretty quickly everyone has there doubts)
Opetia came from nowhere to world champ, ring champ, splits his fights between home at the goldcoast and Saudi with turki….
Torrez jr has been brought along just fine, guido was a good get. Finding rounds…
All 3 are names, undefeated and if they arnt millionaire now they will be soon.
Re: Jai Opetaia vs. Huseyin Cinkara - December 6, 2025
I know if Jai Opetaia's next fight after this one isn't a Unification with one of the other Cruiserweight Titlists, I'd rather just see him move up to Heavyweight. These guys are clearly ducking him, so there's no need in continuing to wait for something that ain't coming.
He could fight any number of Heavyweights that would be a more interesting fight than either of the Cruiserweight titlists.
He could fight any number of Heavyweights that would be a more interesting fight than either of the Cruiserweight titlists.
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Re: Jai Opetaia vs. Huseyin Cinkara - December 6, 2025
Jai needs to hurry up and start unifying. With Usyk suposidly hanging about Jai realistically should be 2 or 3 quality fights from a mega pay day and heavyweight undisputed….
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Re: Jai Opetaia vs. Huseyin Cinkara | Stan - December 6, 2025
New PPV platform Stan enters the picture with Jai Opetaia-Huseyin Cinkara
Jai Opetaia’s plans to unify the cruiserweight titles in 2026 have potentially been complicated by his IBF title defence on December 6 against Huseyin Cinkara being broadcast by the pay-per-view platform Stan.
The Australian, 30 years old and widely considered the world’s finest cruiserweight, fights for the third time in 2025 when at the Gold Coast Convention Centre in Australia’s Gold Coast he confronts the also-undefeated Cinkara, his mandatory challenger.
His stoppage victories in January and June over David Nyika and Claudio Squeo both featured on DAZN – the former was on DAZN pay-per-view in Australia and New Zealand – and while DAZN could yet broadcast the fight with Germany’s Cinkara in territories beyond his home country, there potentially exists a further barrier to overcome before a future fight with Gilberto Ramirez can be secured.
Opetaia-Ramirez, partly on account of it being for the IBF, WBA and WBO titles, represents the most appealing match-up in the cruiserweight division, but “Zurdo” Ramirez long being a Golden Boy Promotions fighter means that he has consistently fought on DAZN. Given that Opetaia's promoters Tasman Fighters expect their agreement with Stan to last a minimum of 12 months, it could yet prove challenging for the wider picture required for them to fight to be agreed. Tasman Fighters' Mick Francis was also previously resigned to the peak years of his leading fighter's career taking place beyond Australia; it ultimately remains unclear whether the association with Stan will change that in any way.
“Cinkara is a tough opponent in my mandatory, however he stands in my way on the road to being undisputed world cruiserweight champion,” Opetaia regardless said. “It’s great to end the year up at home on the Gold Coast, and I look forward to putting on a spectacular event again with Tasman Fighters on Stan Pay-Per-View. We will go to war on December 6.”
Significant for Tasman Fighters is the reality that Stan is owned by Nine Entertainment, Australia's biggest media organisation and the owner of the influential free-to-air platform Channel 9.
"I’m still pinching myself," said Francis. "It’s a deal that we needed and it’s a deal that Australian boxing needed.
"I’m really pleased to have Stan on board and can’t wait for the future.
"[The agreement is] over the next 12 months, but hopefully after the first four months we’ll look to extend a little bit longer. As I said before, this is an opportunity that our fighters get to fight on a big platform; a domestic platform; a platform that everyone’s aware of and knows about. With Channel 9's backing, our fighters are getting the opportunity now to fight and be promoted the way they should be promoted.
"Jai Opetaia, on the back of his fight, when he broke his jaw against Mairis Breidis the first time around [in victory in 2022], realistically should be a national hero. He wasn’t, because he hasn’t had the support that we need. We finally get the opportunity."
The 40-year-old Cinkara was to be Opetaia’s challenger in January until injury ruled him out and he was replaced by New Zealand’s Nyika in what proved so entertaining a shootout.
Nyika’s compatriot Kniki Toa Leutele has since been confirmed, in a rematch, as the heavyweight Justis Huni’s opponent on the occasion of Huni’s first fight since his first defeat – by England’s Fabio Wardley in June.
Opetaia’s co-promoters Matchroom have a promotion in Monte Carlo, led by the European junior-featherweight title fight between Englishmen Shabaz Masoud and Peter McGrail, on the same date as Opetaia-Ramirez. It will be shown by DAZN.
The WBC cruiserweight title fight between Badou Jack and his challenger Noel Mikaelian on December 13 is, incidentally, also on pay-per-view, via Amazon Prime.
Last edited by Ruthless-RKO on 11 Nov 2025, 05:06, edited 1 time in total.
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Re: Jai Opetaia vs. Huseyin Cinkara | Stan - December 6, 2025
Justis Huni watched new trainer collapse and enter intensive care
Justis Huni’s preparations for his rematch on December 6 with New Zealand’s Kiki Leutele have been threatened by his new trainer Keri Fiu collapsing and entering intensive care.
The heavyweight fights for the first time since his first defeat – in June by England’s Fabio Wardley – against Leutele on the undercard of his fellow Australian Jai Opetaia’s IBF cruiserweight title fight with Huseyin Cinkara at the Gold Coast Convention Centre on Australia’s Gold Coast.
Whether Fiu will join him, however, appears unlikely. During a training session on Wednesday Fiu – who succeeded Mark Wilson as his trainer – reportedly collapsed when he fell off of his training bike and to the floor.
The 26-year-old Huni and his strength-and-conditioning trainer succeeded in resuscitating him, but he remains in an induced coma after, explained Huni according to the Sydney Morning Herald, “He was foaming at the mouth; blood was coming out of his eyes; he was gone”.
“My strength and conditioning trainer, he’s done his CPR, he just kept pumping and pumping,” Huni also said. “He’s still in an induced coma in the ICU at the moment. It’s sad to see someone so close to me in that way. I never thought I would see that in my life. He’s breathing. It’s up to him now to wake up. I’m praying for him.”
It was in 2022 when Huni outpointed Leutele, 31, over 10 rounds. He placed his trust in Fiu despite his being convincingly ahead on all three scorecards against Wardley until the 10th round, when he was dramatically stopped.
Huni had also accepted the fight with Wardley with five weeks’ notice and after having previously suffered injuries to his biceps and elbow. Wardley has since similarly dramatically stopped Joseph Parker, and therefore moved into contention to fight Oleksandr Usyk in 2026.
“After my fight with Fabio my stock went up,” Huni said at Thursday’s press conference. “After seeing that fight, and unfortunately Parker getting stopped, it’s gone up again. It’s my time now. I’ve just got to continue fighting, get back on to my winning spree again.
“I’ve got a good team now; a solid team. Everyone’s working together. I’m happy. My team’s happy. A happy fighter’s a dangerous fighter, they say.
“I’m grateful. Another big opportunity to fight on another Jai Opetaia card on the Gold Coast. It’s going to be a lot different to when I was walking out at Ipswich [in England against Wardley] – I had the whole world against me. It’s going to be good to be back here on the Gold Coast and fighting in front of my people again.
“I learned a lot from it. I think I shocked myself. I had no expectations going into that fight. I took that fight on short notice; I took it with an injury. That’s just the way it ended up, and now I’ve got to bounce back, hope for that opportunity again, and hopefully share the ring with Fabio again.
“There’s no doubt about it – I’d take it in a heartbeat. Taking that fight with the injury I had and short notice, there was a lot to think about, but looking back I’m grateful I took that opportunity and if it came around again I’d take it in a heartbeat.”
Justis Huni’s preparations for his rematch on December 6 with New Zealand’s Kiki Leutele have been threatened by his new trainer Keri Fiu collapsing and entering intensive care.
The heavyweight fights for the first time since his first defeat – in June by England’s Fabio Wardley – against Leutele on the undercard of his fellow Australian Jai Opetaia’s IBF cruiserweight title fight with Huseyin Cinkara at the Gold Coast Convention Centre on Australia’s Gold Coast.
Whether Fiu will join him, however, appears unlikely. During a training session on Wednesday Fiu – who succeeded Mark Wilson as his trainer – reportedly collapsed when he fell off of his training bike and to the floor.
The 26-year-old Huni and his strength-and-conditioning trainer succeeded in resuscitating him, but he remains in an induced coma after, explained Huni according to the Sydney Morning Herald, “He was foaming at the mouth; blood was coming out of his eyes; he was gone”.
“My strength and conditioning trainer, he’s done his CPR, he just kept pumping and pumping,” Huni also said. “He’s still in an induced coma in the ICU at the moment. It’s sad to see someone so close to me in that way. I never thought I would see that in my life. He’s breathing. It’s up to him now to wake up. I’m praying for him.”
It was in 2022 when Huni outpointed Leutele, 31, over 10 rounds. He placed his trust in Fiu despite his being convincingly ahead on all three scorecards against Wardley until the 10th round, when he was dramatically stopped.
Huni had also accepted the fight with Wardley with five weeks’ notice and after having previously suffered injuries to his biceps and elbow. Wardley has since similarly dramatically stopped Joseph Parker, and therefore moved into contention to fight Oleksandr Usyk in 2026.
“After my fight with Fabio my stock went up,” Huni said at Thursday’s press conference. “After seeing that fight, and unfortunately Parker getting stopped, it’s gone up again. It’s my time now. I’ve just got to continue fighting, get back on to my winning spree again.
“I’ve got a good team now; a solid team. Everyone’s working together. I’m happy. My team’s happy. A happy fighter’s a dangerous fighter, they say.
“I’m grateful. Another big opportunity to fight on another Jai Opetaia card on the Gold Coast. It’s going to be a lot different to when I was walking out at Ipswich [in England against Wardley] – I had the whole world against me. It’s going to be good to be back here on the Gold Coast and fighting in front of my people again.
“I learned a lot from it. I think I shocked myself. I had no expectations going into that fight. I took that fight on short notice; I took it with an injury. That’s just the way it ended up, and now I’ve got to bounce back, hope for that opportunity again, and hopefully share the ring with Fabio again.
“There’s no doubt about it – I’d take it in a heartbeat. Taking that fight with the injury I had and short notice, there was a lot to think about, but looking back I’m grateful I took that opportunity and if it came around again I’d take it in a heartbeat.”
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Ruthless-RKO
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gregregegg
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Re: Jai Opetaia vs. Huseyin Cinkara | Stan - December 6, 2025
Fvck dazn is shit.
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Ruthless-RKO
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Re: Jai Opetaia vs. Huseyin Cinkara | Stan - December 6, 2025
Aussie’s getting fucked as usual. No vaseline.
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Re: Jai Opetaia vs. Huseyin Cinkara | Stan - December 6, 2025
Justis Huni-Kiki Toa Leutele in doubt after trainer's deathRuthless-RKO wrote: ↑06 Nov 2025, 07:31 Justis Huni watched new trainer collapse and enter intensive care
Justis Huni’s preparations for his rematch on December 6 with New Zealand’s Kiki Leutele have been threatened by his new trainer Keri Fiu collapsing and entering intensive care.
The heavyweight fights for the first time since his first defeat – in June by England’s Fabio Wardley – against Leutele on the undercard of his fellow Australian Jai Opetaia’s IBF cruiserweight title fight with Huseyin Cinkara at the Gold Coast Convention Centre on Australia’s Gold Coast.
Whether Fiu will join him, however, appears unlikely. During a training session on Wednesday Fiu – who succeeded Mark Wilson as his trainer – reportedly collapsed when he fell off of his training bike and to the floor.
The 26-year-old Huni and his strength-and-conditioning trainer succeeded in resuscitating him, but he remains in an induced coma after, explained Huni according to the Sydney Morning Herald, “He was foaming at the mouth; blood was coming out of his eyes; he was gone”.
Keri Fiu, the trainer of Australia’s Justis Huni, has died, casting doubt over the heavyweight’s date with Kiki Toa Leutele on December 6.
Fiu had been helping the 26-year-old Huni to prepare for his rematch with Leutele – on the undercard of Jai Opetaia-Huseyin Cinkara at the Gold Coast Convention Centre in Gold Coast, Australia – when he stepped off his training bike and collapsed.
Huni and his strength and conditioning coach succeeded in reviving him, but after being put into an induced coma and entering intensive care Fiu has died.
“I can’t find the words to describe how much this hurts and it doesn’t feel real,” Huni posted on social media.
“I love you, Kez, and everything I do from here will always be for you. Until we meet again, big buddy.”
Fiu had previously also worked with Opetaia, the IBF cruiserweight champion, who wrote: “We love you and we are gonna miss you Kezza, aka The Glue. So many laughs and great memories. ‘Till we meet again. I love you, man.”
Huni had promoted Fiu to the status of his head trainer in the aftermath of his first defeat, in June via stoppage by England’s Fabio Wardley.
“He was laying on the ground, he was like out of it,” he had said on Thursday of Flu’s collapse, according to the Sydney Morning Herald. “He was foaming at the mouth; blood was coming out of his eyes; he was gone.”
Little under a month until fight night, it remains unclear whether the contest between Huni and New Zealand’s Leutele, 31, will proceed.
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ninetypercent
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Re: Jai Opetaia vs. Huseyin Cinkara | Stan - December 6, 2025
If Huni is unable to fight please, please let Teramoana fight Leutele. Most Aussie fans would love to see Teramoana fight someone with a pulse.
The Mexican he is scheduled to beat up will be lucky to last one round. Fall for Eddie's coolaid and have your career ruined.
The Mexican he is scheduled to beat up will be lucky to last one round. Fall for Eddie's coolaid and have your career ruined.
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Ruthless-RKO
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Re: Jai Opetaia vs. Huseyin Cinkara | Stan - December 6, 2025
Tasman Fighters ‘deciding’ on Justis Huni-Kiki Toa Leutele after trainer’s death
Tasman Fighters are considering the status of Justis Huni’s fight with Kiki Toa Leutele following the sudden death of Huni’s trainer Keri Fiu.
The heavyweights are scheduled to fight on the undercard of Jai Opetaia-Huseyin Cinkara at the Gold Coast Convention Centre in Gold Coast, Australia on December 6, but Fiu’s death on Wednesday – following a heart attack at the age of 49 – has, inevitably, left their date in doubt.
Huni, 26, helped his strength and conditioning coach to revive Fiu after watching him collapse during a training session. Fiu was put into an induced coma and entered intensive care, but ultimately didn’t survive.
The contest between Huni and New Zealand’s Leutele represents the second time that they have been matched as professionals. The Australian won via decision over 10 rounds when they fought in November 2022; their rematch is particularly pivotal for him, given it is his first fight since his first defeat, by England’s Fabio Wardley in June.
Huni responded to that defeat by promoting Fiu to the role of trainer, and it is that wider picture he and his promoters will debate when determining whether the fight with the 31-year-old Leutele will proceed.
“At this point we are all in shock at losing our great friend and team member,” Tasman Fighters’ Mick Francis told BS. “There has been no decision made, either way.
“We will make that decision in due course. For now, everything is going ahead.”
Tasman Fighters are considering the status of Justis Huni’s fight with Kiki Toa Leutele following the sudden death of Huni’s trainer Keri Fiu.
The heavyweights are scheduled to fight on the undercard of Jai Opetaia-Huseyin Cinkara at the Gold Coast Convention Centre in Gold Coast, Australia on December 6, but Fiu’s death on Wednesday – following a heart attack at the age of 49 – has, inevitably, left their date in doubt.
Huni, 26, helped his strength and conditioning coach to revive Fiu after watching him collapse during a training session. Fiu was put into an induced coma and entered intensive care, but ultimately didn’t survive.
The contest between Huni and New Zealand’s Leutele represents the second time that they have been matched as professionals. The Australian won via decision over 10 rounds when they fought in November 2022; their rematch is particularly pivotal for him, given it is his first fight since his first defeat, by England’s Fabio Wardley in June.
Huni responded to that defeat by promoting Fiu to the role of trainer, and it is that wider picture he and his promoters will debate when determining whether the fight with the 31-year-old Leutele will proceed.
“At this point we are all in shock at losing our great friend and team member,” Tasman Fighters’ Mick Francis told BS. “There has been no decision made, either way.
“We will make that decision in due course. For now, everything is going ahead.”
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Ruthless-RKO
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Re: Jai Opetaia vs. Huseyin Cinkara | Stan - December 6, 2025
Huseyin Cinkara plans on kicking Jai Opetaia while he's down
Huseyin Cinkara has vowed to “knock senseless” Jai Opetaia after his arrival in Australia for their IBF cruiserweight title fight.
The undefeated German, 40, challenges Opetaia on December 6 at the Gold Coast Convention Centre in the Gold Coast, where Opetaia lives, and after the Australian was forced to endure the disappointment of learning that his leading rival Gilberto “Zurdo” Ramirez plans to instead fight David Benavidez, Cinkara has vowed to leave in ruins the remainder of Opetaia’s plans for 2026.
Cinkara had been scheduled to challenge Opetaia at the same venue in January until injury ruled him out and he was replaced by New Zealand’s David Nyika, who in turn was stopped inside four rounds, but 11 months on he is determined to seize his opportunity against the fighter widely recognised as the world’s leading cruiserweight, and he spoke like a challenger who believes that he can succeed where the aggressive Nyika failed.
“Look, I’ve got respect for Opetaia – he’s earned his place,” Cinkara said. “But respect don’t win fights. Power does. And I’m the harder puncher between us. If he wants to dance, I won’t be surprised. I don’t think he wants to trade with me. I hit harder; I hit faster.
“I’ve been training like a man possessed. Every morning; every spar; every drop of sweat is for December 6th. I’m not here to play nice – I’m here to take the belts.
“[Opetaia’s previous challenger Claudio] Squeo seemed to be too polite. I’m coming over to knock Opetaia senseless in front of his own fans. I’m not asking for respect – I’m demanding it. And I’ll get it the only way I know how.
“I know people write me off but I will prove them wrong. I believe vulnerability is real – and I see cracks. I see chinks in his armour. I’m not blind. December 6, those belts change hands.”
Opetaia has made little secret of his desire to win the undisputed title before moving up to heavyweight, so the plans of Ramirez – the WBA and WBO champion – to fight Benavidez in May represented a significant blow.
The Australian heavyweight Justis Huni remains scheduled to fight Kiki Toa Leutele of New Zealand in the chief support to Opetaia-Cinkara, but the sudden death of his trainer Keri Fui means that his participation remains in doubt and that the all-Australian super-middleweight contest between the promising Max McIntyre and Jed Morris could yet replace it.
Huseyin Cinkara has vowed to “knock senseless” Jai Opetaia after his arrival in Australia for their IBF cruiserweight title fight.
The undefeated German, 40, challenges Opetaia on December 6 at the Gold Coast Convention Centre in the Gold Coast, where Opetaia lives, and after the Australian was forced to endure the disappointment of learning that his leading rival Gilberto “Zurdo” Ramirez plans to instead fight David Benavidez, Cinkara has vowed to leave in ruins the remainder of Opetaia’s plans for 2026.
Cinkara had been scheduled to challenge Opetaia at the same venue in January until injury ruled him out and he was replaced by New Zealand’s David Nyika, who in turn was stopped inside four rounds, but 11 months on he is determined to seize his opportunity against the fighter widely recognised as the world’s leading cruiserweight, and he spoke like a challenger who believes that he can succeed where the aggressive Nyika failed.
“Look, I’ve got respect for Opetaia – he’s earned his place,” Cinkara said. “But respect don’t win fights. Power does. And I’m the harder puncher between us. If he wants to dance, I won’t be surprised. I don’t think he wants to trade with me. I hit harder; I hit faster.
“I’ve been training like a man possessed. Every morning; every spar; every drop of sweat is for December 6th. I’m not here to play nice – I’m here to take the belts.
“[Opetaia’s previous challenger Claudio] Squeo seemed to be too polite. I’m coming over to knock Opetaia senseless in front of his own fans. I’m not asking for respect – I’m demanding it. And I’ll get it the only way I know how.
“I know people write me off but I will prove them wrong. I believe vulnerability is real – and I see cracks. I see chinks in his armour. I’m not blind. December 6, those belts change hands.”
Opetaia has made little secret of his desire to win the undisputed title before moving up to heavyweight, so the plans of Ramirez – the WBA and WBO champion – to fight Benavidez in May represented a significant blow.
The Australian heavyweight Justis Huni remains scheduled to fight Kiki Toa Leutele of New Zealand in the chief support to Opetaia-Cinkara, but the sudden death of his trainer Keri Fui means that his participation remains in doubt and that the all-Australian super-middleweight contest between the promising Max McIntyre and Jed Morris could yet replace it.
Re: Jai Opetaia vs. Huseyin Cinkara | Stan - December 6, 2025
Would be surprised if Opetaia doesn’t KO him in the 1st or 2nd round.
Re: Jai Opetaia vs. Huseyin Cinkara | Stan - December 6, 2025
I commend Cinkara for coming into the bout with confidence and desire. It's a great attitude, however, it's not going to win him the fight. I expect Opetaia to stop him somewhere in the first third of the contest.
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Ruthless-RKO
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Re: Jai Opetaia vs. Huseyin Cinkara | Stan - December 6, 2025
Justis Huni-Kiki Toa Leutele cancelled and replaced by Max McIntyre-Jed Morris
Justis Huni’s rematch with New Zealand’s Kiki Toa Leutele has been cancelled following the death of his trainer Keri Fui.
Their heavyweight contest on the undercard of Saturday’s IBF cruiserweight title fight between Jai Opetaia and Huseyin Cinkara at the Gold Coast Convention Centre in Gold Coast, Australia had been in doubt since Fui’s death, after a heart attack, in November, and Huni’s promoters Tasman Fighters have decided to attempt to reorganise it for a future date. The all-Australian super-middleweight match-up between the promising Max McIntyre and Jed Morris, 26, will replace it as the chief support to Opetaia-Cinkara.
Australia’s Huni, 26 years old, won via unanimous decision in November 2022 when they fought over 10 rounds but he most recently lost for the first time when being stopped by Fabio Wardley in June. A new date, revealed Tasman’s Mick Francis, could come as soon as February.
“He just had the death of his coach three weeks ago; Kiki was struggling with a bit of an injury from training,” Francis told Boxing Scene. “This particular card is pretty stacked as it is. It just made sense that both fighters were not up for it.
“They were both prepared to fight, but if these guys aren’t going to be at their best – they deserve to be at their best and it’s a fight that could be made on their own card. We spoke about transferring this particular fight to their own card in a couple of months, so that’s more or less it. It’s not that either fighter wanted to not fight – just that it probably works out better to put these guys on their own card and get them the opportunity to highlight their own pay-per-view show.
“Justis is alright. He’s a tough kid. He’s hurting, like anyone would. Keri wasn’t only his coach, he’d been with Justis since he was about 13, so he was obviously a big part of not only his career, but a big part of his life.
“We’ve had [the funeral] to deal with as well. They actually had a double funeral – a public ceremony and then a private ceremony, so it’s been hectic.”
The “stacked card” to which Francis was referring also features, among others, Huni’s fellow Australian heavyweight Teremoana Teremoana, the junior welterweight Jake Wyllie, and the former WBO bantamweight champion Jason Moloney, but on the occasion of Tasman’s first pay-per-view date with the influential Australian broadcaster Stan they have prioritised giving the lower-profile McIntyre, 21, the opportunity to make an impression on a wider audience.
“Max McIntyre is a kid that wants to better himself,” Francis explained. “He understands the industry and what he needs to do – not only to win these fights, but also to be a star and be recognised in this sport. He deserves his shot – I can see Max being a future star of Australian boxing.
“McIntyre’s a legitimate fighter. He’s 21 years old; he’s 8-0 with seven knockouts; he’s going to be a star of the future, so we want the platform to get behind him and show Australia and the rest of the world what talent we have down here in Australia.
“Teremoana won’t fight anymore than a six-round fight; I don’t think a six-round fight is worthy of a co-main fight, and we all know how Teremoana’s going to go. He’s going to knock out his opponent [German Garcia Montes of Mexico] out in three minutes.”
Justis Huni’s rematch with New Zealand’s Kiki Toa Leutele has been cancelled following the death of his trainer Keri Fui.
Their heavyweight contest on the undercard of Saturday’s IBF cruiserweight title fight between Jai Opetaia and Huseyin Cinkara at the Gold Coast Convention Centre in Gold Coast, Australia had been in doubt since Fui’s death, after a heart attack, in November, and Huni’s promoters Tasman Fighters have decided to attempt to reorganise it for a future date. The all-Australian super-middleweight match-up between the promising Max McIntyre and Jed Morris, 26, will replace it as the chief support to Opetaia-Cinkara.
Australia’s Huni, 26 years old, won via unanimous decision in November 2022 when they fought over 10 rounds but he most recently lost for the first time when being stopped by Fabio Wardley in June. A new date, revealed Tasman’s Mick Francis, could come as soon as February.
“He just had the death of his coach three weeks ago; Kiki was struggling with a bit of an injury from training,” Francis told Boxing Scene. “This particular card is pretty stacked as it is. It just made sense that both fighters were not up for it.
“They were both prepared to fight, but if these guys aren’t going to be at their best – they deserve to be at their best and it’s a fight that could be made on their own card. We spoke about transferring this particular fight to their own card in a couple of months, so that’s more or less it. It’s not that either fighter wanted to not fight – just that it probably works out better to put these guys on their own card and get them the opportunity to highlight their own pay-per-view show.
“Justis is alright. He’s a tough kid. He’s hurting, like anyone would. Keri wasn’t only his coach, he’d been with Justis since he was about 13, so he was obviously a big part of not only his career, but a big part of his life.
“We’ve had [the funeral] to deal with as well. They actually had a double funeral – a public ceremony and then a private ceremony, so it’s been hectic.”
The “stacked card” to which Francis was referring also features, among others, Huni’s fellow Australian heavyweight Teremoana Teremoana, the junior welterweight Jake Wyllie, and the former WBO bantamweight champion Jason Moloney, but on the occasion of Tasman’s first pay-per-view date with the influential Australian broadcaster Stan they have prioritised giving the lower-profile McIntyre, 21, the opportunity to make an impression on a wider audience.
“Max McIntyre is a kid that wants to better himself,” Francis explained. “He understands the industry and what he needs to do – not only to win these fights, but also to be a star and be recognised in this sport. He deserves his shot – I can see Max being a future star of Australian boxing.
“McIntyre’s a legitimate fighter. He’s 21 years old; he’s 8-0 with seven knockouts; he’s going to be a star of the future, so we want the platform to get behind him and show Australia and the rest of the world what talent we have down here in Australia.
“Teremoana won’t fight anymore than a six-round fight; I don’t think a six-round fight is worthy of a co-main fight, and we all know how Teremoana’s going to go. He’s going to knock out his opponent [German Garcia Montes of Mexico] out in three minutes.”
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Ruthless-RKO
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Ruthless-RKO
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Ruthless-RKO
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Re: Jai Opetaia vs. Huseyin Cinkara | Stan - December 6, 2025
‘Everything’s fallen into place’ for Jed Morris-bound Max McIntyre
The super middleweight Max McIntyre is preparing to fight Jed Morris in the knowledge that their all-Australian contest becoming the chief support to Jai Opetaia-Huseyin Cinkara represents a “massive opportunity” for him.
McIntyre-Morris will take place just before the IBF cruiserweight title fight at the Gold Coast Convention Centre on Saturday evening after the heavyweight rematch between Justis Huni and Kiki Toa Leutele was cancelled as a consequence of the death of Huni’s trainer Keri Fui and an injury suffered in training by Leutele.
On a promotion featuring fights involving the higher-profile Jason Moloney, Teremoana Teremoana and Jake Wyllie, the 21-year-old McIntyre instead being prioritised in the position of chief support is a reflection of his promoters Tasman Fighters’ faith in his potential. He learned of the development as recently as Sunday, and is keen to capitalise on it, optimistic, as he is, that the pay-per-view will be watched by a significant audience on the influential Australian broadcaster Stan.
“It’s massive news for me,” he told Boxing Scene. “Obviously I’m a bit sad for Justis – Keri was close in his team. I’m sad for him, but I’m gonna take the opportunity with open arms. It’s really, really sad news. It wouldn’t be the same [trying to fight in those circumstances if it were me].
“I heard some speculation that Justis wasn’t fighting, but until I hear about it from someone official I’m not going to believe that. I’m not sure how long they knew about that for.
“It’s national coverage – that’s so, so massive. We’ll definitely get worldwide coverage, because it’s a world-title fight – Jai’s fighting Cinkara from Germany, so I’m sure we’ll get worldwide coverage, but a lot of Australia will be watching this one, compared to DAZN. DAZN’s more spread out.
“It was massive. This is the perfect opponent for me too – in a co-main event, to be able to showcase all my skills in front of the whole of Australia. What more can you ask for as a fighter? This is what you dream of; what you ask for. Everything’s fallen into place for me.
“I’m not saying it’s a good thing that Justis pulled out, but everything’s fallen into place.”
McIntyre has sparred Opetaia, widely recognised as the world’s leading cruiserweight, in preparation for the 26-year-old Morris and Saturday’s eight-round contest. At 6ft 3.5ins he is taller than the IBF champion, who in turn has made little secret of the high hopes he has for his compatriot.
Equally valuable for him is proving the opportunity of fighting on the undercards of Australia’s leading fighter, given the exposure that the platform Opetaia attracts presents him with. Tasman say that Saturday’s 6,000-capacity venue has sold out.
“I’ve definitely hopped on at the perfect time – exactly when Jai’s coming up and I’m on his undercards and he’s fighting for world titles,” McIntyre said. “It’s my third Jai Opetaia undercard in the same year, so it’s just going to keep boosting my profile so much more, compared to just fighting on little, tiny undercards. I love fighting in [Brisbane’s] Fortitude Music Hall and stuff like that, but this shoots you all the way up. It’s a massive step.
“Instead of tiny, little steps – you probably don’t get as many fights a year ‘cause you’re fighting on world-title cards; I’m only fighting as much as Jai is, which is two three times a year – it’s a double-edged sword. You wish you were getting more fights, because I’m still coming up and I’m new to the game. Fighting on smaller cards more occasionally or fighting on big cards less often – it’s a double-edged sword. [But] I think the position I’m in is great.
“It’s great [to spar Opetaia]. It’s more the confidence – if I can go in there and mix it with Jai, I shouldn’t be worried about Jed Morris or anyone on the domestic scene. He’s given me heaps of pointers and a lot of advice. Each time I go there I learn something new; each time I spar him I level up. The guy I’m fighting’s not southpaw; Jai Opetaia is southpaw. I’ve had lots of orthodox work, and I asked my coach ‘Are we able to get some sparring with Jai?’, and we ended up being able to get some sparring ‘cause he was looking for sparring too.
“It’s a little bit of a risk as well, because you’re in there with Jai and he doesn’t hit light, either – he’s a legitimate killer. I just know that if I can do that I’ll come in fight night confident. He’s given me some props, too, saying my mental endurance over rounds is good; my ability to stay on is really good. He’s mostly given me props, but he’s also given me pointers here and there.
“[Morris is] maybe my toughest fight on paper. Eight wins, seven knockouts; the guys he’s fought are nowhere near my calibre though, and the guys I’m sparring recently – Jai Opetaia; some of the biggest names in Australian boxing – we’ve been having good rounds. Maybe my hardest fight so far, but he’s not going to give me any trouble.
“It brings more eyes because it’s an all-Australian fight. He’s able to bring his crowd, so he’s probably got a lot of people there going to support him; a lot of people buying tickets; purchasing tables. It’s a good thing for me that he brings more people, because that’s the people that get to see me put on a great performance.
“My coach knows a lot about that style. He fights with a high-guard; there’s a lot of people in Australia that fight exactly like that, and we’ve had sparring, a lot, like that. We’ve been working on how to shut him down; how to manipulate that guard; know where the punches are coming from. [I’m] not going to be standing right in front of him. He’s not going to be able to box with me; he’s not going to be able to brawl with me.
“I don’t think he’s ever been knocked out before, so he thinks he’ll be able to take a shot, but every guy I’ve been in with hasn’t been knocked out and I’ve been the first guy they’ve been knocked out [by], so I think his chin will be his biggest strength, but I also think that’ll be his biggest downfall. He’ll walk on to shots that he thinks he’ll be able to take; put himself in positions that he’s not supposed to be in. I’ll capitalise on everything he does. One of his biggest strengths – he’d be able to punch. He’s got eight wins; seven knockouts. But it’s hard to say that he’s got much power because it’s against ordinary fighters.
“He’s too straight on. He stands and plants; not much footwork. His punches come from the same position. His defence is the same – he doesn’t move his head after he punches. He stands straight on. We’ve analysed everything.”
The super middleweight Max McIntyre is preparing to fight Jed Morris in the knowledge that their all-Australian contest becoming the chief support to Jai Opetaia-Huseyin Cinkara represents a “massive opportunity” for him.
McIntyre-Morris will take place just before the IBF cruiserweight title fight at the Gold Coast Convention Centre on Saturday evening after the heavyweight rematch between Justis Huni and Kiki Toa Leutele was cancelled as a consequence of the death of Huni’s trainer Keri Fui and an injury suffered in training by Leutele.
On a promotion featuring fights involving the higher-profile Jason Moloney, Teremoana Teremoana and Jake Wyllie, the 21-year-old McIntyre instead being prioritised in the position of chief support is a reflection of his promoters Tasman Fighters’ faith in his potential. He learned of the development as recently as Sunday, and is keen to capitalise on it, optimistic, as he is, that the pay-per-view will be watched by a significant audience on the influential Australian broadcaster Stan.
“It’s massive news for me,” he told Boxing Scene. “Obviously I’m a bit sad for Justis – Keri was close in his team. I’m sad for him, but I’m gonna take the opportunity with open arms. It’s really, really sad news. It wouldn’t be the same [trying to fight in those circumstances if it were me].
“I heard some speculation that Justis wasn’t fighting, but until I hear about it from someone official I’m not going to believe that. I’m not sure how long they knew about that for.
“It’s national coverage – that’s so, so massive. We’ll definitely get worldwide coverage, because it’s a world-title fight – Jai’s fighting Cinkara from Germany, so I’m sure we’ll get worldwide coverage, but a lot of Australia will be watching this one, compared to DAZN. DAZN’s more spread out.
“It was massive. This is the perfect opponent for me too – in a co-main event, to be able to showcase all my skills in front of the whole of Australia. What more can you ask for as a fighter? This is what you dream of; what you ask for. Everything’s fallen into place for me.
“I’m not saying it’s a good thing that Justis pulled out, but everything’s fallen into place.”
McIntyre has sparred Opetaia, widely recognised as the world’s leading cruiserweight, in preparation for the 26-year-old Morris and Saturday’s eight-round contest. At 6ft 3.5ins he is taller than the IBF champion, who in turn has made little secret of the high hopes he has for his compatriot.
Equally valuable for him is proving the opportunity of fighting on the undercards of Australia’s leading fighter, given the exposure that the platform Opetaia attracts presents him with. Tasman say that Saturday’s 6,000-capacity venue has sold out.
“I’ve definitely hopped on at the perfect time – exactly when Jai’s coming up and I’m on his undercards and he’s fighting for world titles,” McIntyre said. “It’s my third Jai Opetaia undercard in the same year, so it’s just going to keep boosting my profile so much more, compared to just fighting on little, tiny undercards. I love fighting in [Brisbane’s] Fortitude Music Hall and stuff like that, but this shoots you all the way up. It’s a massive step.
“Instead of tiny, little steps – you probably don’t get as many fights a year ‘cause you’re fighting on world-title cards; I’m only fighting as much as Jai is, which is two three times a year – it’s a double-edged sword. You wish you were getting more fights, because I’m still coming up and I’m new to the game. Fighting on smaller cards more occasionally or fighting on big cards less often – it’s a double-edged sword. [But] I think the position I’m in is great.
“It’s great [to spar Opetaia]. It’s more the confidence – if I can go in there and mix it with Jai, I shouldn’t be worried about Jed Morris or anyone on the domestic scene. He’s given me heaps of pointers and a lot of advice. Each time I go there I learn something new; each time I spar him I level up. The guy I’m fighting’s not southpaw; Jai Opetaia is southpaw. I’ve had lots of orthodox work, and I asked my coach ‘Are we able to get some sparring with Jai?’, and we ended up being able to get some sparring ‘cause he was looking for sparring too.
“It’s a little bit of a risk as well, because you’re in there with Jai and he doesn’t hit light, either – he’s a legitimate killer. I just know that if I can do that I’ll come in fight night confident. He’s given me some props, too, saying my mental endurance over rounds is good; my ability to stay on is really good. He’s mostly given me props, but he’s also given me pointers here and there.
“[Morris is] maybe my toughest fight on paper. Eight wins, seven knockouts; the guys he’s fought are nowhere near my calibre though, and the guys I’m sparring recently – Jai Opetaia; some of the biggest names in Australian boxing – we’ve been having good rounds. Maybe my hardest fight so far, but he’s not going to give me any trouble.
“It brings more eyes because it’s an all-Australian fight. He’s able to bring his crowd, so he’s probably got a lot of people there going to support him; a lot of people buying tickets; purchasing tables. It’s a good thing for me that he brings more people, because that’s the people that get to see me put on a great performance.
“My coach knows a lot about that style. He fights with a high-guard; there’s a lot of people in Australia that fight exactly like that, and we’ve had sparring, a lot, like that. We’ve been working on how to shut him down; how to manipulate that guard; know where the punches are coming from. [I’m] not going to be standing right in front of him. He’s not going to be able to box with me; he’s not going to be able to brawl with me.
“I don’t think he’s ever been knocked out before, so he thinks he’ll be able to take a shot, but every guy I’ve been in with hasn’t been knocked out and I’ve been the first guy they’ve been knocked out [by], so I think his chin will be his biggest strength, but I also think that’ll be his biggest downfall. He’ll walk on to shots that he thinks he’ll be able to take; put himself in positions that he’s not supposed to be in. I’ll capitalise on everything he does. One of his biggest strengths – he’d be able to punch. He’s got eight wins; seven knockouts. But it’s hard to say that he’s got much power because it’s against ordinary fighters.
“He’s too straight on. He stands and plants; not much footwork. His punches come from the same position. His defence is the same – he doesn’t move his head after he punches. He stands straight on. We’ve analysed everything.”
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Re: Jai Opetaia vs. Huseyin Cinkara | Stan - December 6, 2025
Huseyin Cinkara Leans Heavy Into Faith, Before Shot At Ring Champion Jai Opetaia
Unheralded Huseyin Cinkara will have the chance of a lifetime when he faces Ring/IBF cruiserweight champion Jai Opetaia on Saturday.
IBF mandatory challenger Cinkara arrived in Australia a week before their main event matchup, taking place at Gold Coast Convention Centre in Queensland, Australia.
"I have worked for years to reach this moment, with faith, discipline and determination," Cinkara (23-0, 19 KOs) told The Ring. "I have always relied on Allah and deep down, I knew this big fight would come and I will be ready."
The 40-year-old German-born Turkish fighter had been due to face Opetaia (28-0, 22 KOs) in January only to tear a ligament in training. Cinkara doesn't have any noteworthy opponents on his resume and will be stepping up several levels with this opportunity.
"Opetaia is currently the top cruiserweight champion, but honestly it has never mattered to me who stood before me. I just boxed and still respected and took every opponent seriously," he said. "I have always followed my own path and stayed focused on my goal.
"I have sparred with many former world champions, Oleksandr Usyk, Murat Gassiev, Ilunga Makabu, Arsen Goulamirian, Mairis Briedis and many others. I know the level we compete at, and that motivates me even more for this fight."
Although Cinkara has never fought outside of Europe, he remains upbeat about fighting in the champion's homestead.
"Fighting in Australia is not a disadvantage. On the contrary, a victory on foreign soil will be even greater. I feel no pressure, only excitement. I also receive many messages from my Turkish fans in Australia - I will not be alone."
Nobody gives Cinkara much of a shot outside his own team. He is priced at much as a 25-1 underdog.
"First and foremost is my faith," the 40-year-old said of his belief that he can score what would be one of the upsets of the year.
"I haven't spoken much about it, but my life has never been easy. I've had to fight to survive, for my family, health, and always for my dream, but with Allah’s will, I have overcome every challenge.
"On December 6, I will step into the ring to give everything, surprise the world, and make history. Whatever is meant to happen, will happen."
His promoter, Ahmet Oner, wasn't initially convinced by Cinkara, but the fighter has slowly grown on him through sheer persistence.
"I remember when Huseyin came to me, and I thought he was too old for this business because he was around 35," Oner said.
"He did very great sparring but in my opinion, he was too old to start as a pro, but he managed. That shows his character, what kind of guy he is, he's not giving up.
"Opetaia is a fighter who is very strong, he has dreams, tough guy, I like him. But a guy can shock the world and sometimes it happens in boxing. Everything is possible."
Unheralded Huseyin Cinkara will have the chance of a lifetime when he faces Ring/IBF cruiserweight champion Jai Opetaia on Saturday.
IBF mandatory challenger Cinkara arrived in Australia a week before their main event matchup, taking place at Gold Coast Convention Centre in Queensland, Australia.
"I have worked for years to reach this moment, with faith, discipline and determination," Cinkara (23-0, 19 KOs) told The Ring. "I have always relied on Allah and deep down, I knew this big fight would come and I will be ready."
The 40-year-old German-born Turkish fighter had been due to face Opetaia (28-0, 22 KOs) in January only to tear a ligament in training. Cinkara doesn't have any noteworthy opponents on his resume and will be stepping up several levels with this opportunity.
"Opetaia is currently the top cruiserweight champion, but honestly it has never mattered to me who stood before me. I just boxed and still respected and took every opponent seriously," he said. "I have always followed my own path and stayed focused on my goal.
"I have sparred with many former world champions, Oleksandr Usyk, Murat Gassiev, Ilunga Makabu, Arsen Goulamirian, Mairis Briedis and many others. I know the level we compete at, and that motivates me even more for this fight."
Although Cinkara has never fought outside of Europe, he remains upbeat about fighting in the champion's homestead.
"Fighting in Australia is not a disadvantage. On the contrary, a victory on foreign soil will be even greater. I feel no pressure, only excitement. I also receive many messages from my Turkish fans in Australia - I will not be alone."
Nobody gives Cinkara much of a shot outside his own team. He is priced at much as a 25-1 underdog.
"First and foremost is my faith," the 40-year-old said of his belief that he can score what would be one of the upsets of the year.
"I haven't spoken much about it, but my life has never been easy. I've had to fight to survive, for my family, health, and always for my dream, but with Allah’s will, I have overcome every challenge.
"On December 6, I will step into the ring to give everything, surprise the world, and make history. Whatever is meant to happen, will happen."
His promoter, Ahmet Oner, wasn't initially convinced by Cinkara, but the fighter has slowly grown on him through sheer persistence.
"I remember when Huseyin came to me, and I thought he was too old for this business because he was around 35," Oner said.
"He did very great sparring but in my opinion, he was too old to start as a pro, but he managed. That shows his character, what kind of guy he is, he's not giving up.
"Opetaia is a fighter who is very strong, he has dreams, tough guy, I like him. But a guy can shock the world and sometimes it happens in boxing. Everything is possible."